It was an old gray box. There was quite a gathering recently, and it was all centered on that box. For months, there had been quite a buzz at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point about a lead box that was discovered underneath a statue of Thaddeus Kosciuszko.
Measuring about one square foot, the potential treasure chest was found in May during renovations of the eight-and-a-half-foot bronze statue of American Revolutionary War hero Thaddeus Kosciuszko. A cadet had noticed some damage to the statue, so experts were summoned to take it down to make repairs. What they discovered was that all these years General Kosciuszko had stood guard over a mysterious lead box. The box was presumed to be a time capsule, likely placed there by cadets almost two centuries earlier.
What was in the old gray box? Well, that question was answered at the official “unveiling” of the box on August 28th at West Point’s Robinson Auditorium at Thayer Hall. Imagine the level of excitement as two purple-gloved employees carefully pried open the old box. What did they find? Unfortunately, there was not much inside. It was empty except for a thick layer of silt lining the bottom.
Paul Hudson, an archaeologist at West Point, may have said it best: "So, the box didn't quite meet expectations."
(A closer examination of the silt later produced six silver coins and a commemorative medal.)
The crowd gathered at the auditorium that day was looking for more than the box had to offer—maybe documents that would prove historically important or the over-the-top dreamers might have had visions of gold or diamonds. There were a lot of expectations that day and few - if any - were met.
You and I can relate, can’t we? All of us at one time or another have expected this world to give us something that’s simply not there; the box is empty. We’ve looked for true satisfaction in material things—a newer vehicle, a bigger motor home, maybe that new bass boat. Some expect to find happiness in their career, marriage, family, or entertainment. There’s nothing wrong with those things, but we can’t look there for lasting satisfaction. Sooner or later, we recognize that the longing in our souls, the restlessness, is still there.
Maybe that’s where you are today. You’re seeking happiness in the things of the world, and you’re left disappointed. Something is missing. Have you considered how kind it is of God that He refuses to allow you to be satisfied with treasuring the things of this world? You were created for something far better. You were created to find a lasting satisfaction in the God of the Bible, the one true God.
For he satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul he fills with good things (Psalm 107:9).
God satisfies what your soul longs for. He promises to fill the hungering soul with good things. He can meet your longings and your expectations. God is the matchless treasure. A.W. Tozer in his book The Pursuit of God wrote:
“The man who has God for his treasure has all things in One. Many ordinary treasures may be denied him, or if he is allowed to have them, the enjoyment of them will be so tempered that they will never be necessary to his happiness. Or if he must see them go, one after one, he will scarcely feel of loss, for having the Source of all things he has in One all satisfaction, all pleasure, all delight.”
I plead with you to turn from the things of the world and seek after God. A good starting place in the Bible is the Gospel of John. Learn about God there. As you read, ask God to help you understand who He is and His plan for your lasting satisfaction.
Whom have I in heaven but you? And there’s nothing on earth that I desire besides you (Psalm 73:25).
